Zakk Wylde eyes Black Label Society studio return

Black Label Society
Black Label Society (Image credit: Justin Reich)

Zakk Wylde says he plans on hitting the studio in the next few months to start work on the follow-up to Black Label Society’s 2018 album Grimmest Hits.

The vocalist and guitarist has found himself with some unexpected time on his hands after Ozzy Osbourne was forced to postpone his latest run of shows due to his fall at home and ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Wylde tells Billboard: “I’m going to do some writing, I guess, in April, May and June. We’ll record and have that one ready to roll.

“I don’t demo or stockpile shit. Never have. I’m not like Prince, where he’s recording stuff all the time. I just like to come up with a riff or an idea and be like, ‘Why don’t we track that one today?’ It’s like the beginning of a new season. It’s always fun.”

While Zakk didn’t play on Ozzy’s new studio album Ordinary Man, he’s ready to be called into action when The Prince Of Darkness hits the road again.

He says: “As far as with the boss, Ozzy’s taking his vitamins and hitting the iron, and just healing up and getting ready. And when he’s ready, we’ll roll.”

Black Label Society are currently on tour across the US – a run that’ll conclude on March 28 when they play at Hartford’s Webster Theater.

Black Label Society - Grimmest Hits

Black Label Society - Grimmest Hits
Zakk Wylde and co returned in 2018 with their album Grimmest Hits, which contained scorchers like single Trampled Down Below through to the soulful The Only Words.

Black Label Society: Sonic Brew - 20th Anniversary Blend

Black Label Society: Sonic Brew - 20th Anniversary Blend
Black Label Society celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album Sonic Brew with this release featuring alternative versions of Spoke In The Wheel and Black Pearl.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 36 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 11 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.